Moltzen ready to face Souths giants - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Moltzen ready to face Souths giants

Steve Jancetic 05/04/2011 08:05:45 PM Comments (0)

Wests Tigers halfback Tim Moltzen says he's ready for whatever South Sydney's giant pack can throw at him on Friday night, declaring his surgically repaired knee was up to the task.

With his knee having survived its first 80 minute effort since buckling under him 12 months ago, Moltzen said he was ready to resume his halves partnership with Benji Marshall.

The two combined well in patches against the Sydney Roosters last Sunday and will look to build on that performance against the Rabbitohs, but defence is where Moltzen could have his work cut out for him as he lines up on the Tigers' left edge.

While Marshall is likely to have to confront the likes of Dave Taylor and Greg Inglis on the other side of the field, Moltzen will have his hands full with Sam Burgess, who has been named to return from a shoulder injury.

"It comes with the job I suppose, a lot of halves are aimed at in a lot of teams' get-out sets with their big forwards - that's to be expected," Moltzen said.

"It's a very good pack with the likes of Sam Burgess and Dave Taylor - defence is what's winning games these days so it's a big focus for us."

Taylor and Inglis have warmed to the task after a sluggish start to the year, with the duo at their potent best against Manly last Friday night.

Taylor even had the chance to showcase his kicking skills with a deft grubber to set up Fetuli Talanoa's try, but it is an aerial bombardment which could give the Tigers nightmares at the Sydney Football Stadium.

With 168 cm winger Matt Utai lining up on the right flank for the Tigers, the Rabbitohs are expected to put up plenty of bombs for the likes of the 195cm Inglis and 183cm Talanoa to go after.

"That's something with Matty, his size and power is good and bad for him at times," Moltzen said.

"He'll be a target but we'll work hard on that and I'm sure he'll be ready on Friday night.

"You've got Blake (centre Blake Ayshford) there who can cover for him at times and Blake's a big guy.

"If Matty's not taking the high balls I'd say Blake will be out there trying to do that."

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

0 Comments about this article

Post a comment about this article

Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.

« All sports news